'We've waited long enough': Mayors north of Montreal demand more public transit options

Mayors from Montreal's North Shore are urging the Legault government to address the area's public transit shortcomings, framing it as a key issue in an upcoming provincial by-election.

The mayors of Terrebonne, Repentigny, Mirabel, Blainville, Saint-Eustache, Deux-Montagnes, L'Assomption, and Rosemère are advocating for better public transit access. These cities are in ridings that elected members of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) in the last provincial election, including Premier François Legault, who represents L'Assomption.

Frustrated with what they perceive as neglect from the CAQ, the mayors joined forces at a news conference at the National Assembly on Wednesday, alongside MNAs from the opposition parties — the Quebec Liberal Party, Parti Québécois, and Québec Solidaire. They are calling for predictable, consistent funding and a plan to improve transit services.

Denis Martin, mayor of Deux-Montagnes since 2013, has been pushing for more transit funding since 2014. His message now is: "We've waited long enough."

"For too long, our citizens and businesses have directly suffered from the lack of investment in public transit," said Martin. "Every morning, thousands of families lose precious hours stuck in traffic."

The mayors argue that limited transit options are discouraging businesses from setting up in local industrial parks due to the commuting difficulties for employees. They also point out that students are avoiding schools in the area, and seniors face increased isolation.

In recent years, users of the Train de l'Est, which connects Terrebonne and Mascouche to downtown Montreal, have faced detours due to work in the Mount Royal Tunnel for the Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM).

The issue has taken on new urgency after the recent resignation of Pierre Fitzgibbon, a top CAQ cabinet minister, leading to a forthcoming by-election in the Terrebonne riding.

‘What’s the point of having a CAQ MNA?’

For years, mayors across the region, including in Montreal, have clashed with the provincial government over transit funding. The province has been hesitant to cover deficits that have become common since the pandemic, while cities warn of potential service cuts.

Opposition MNAs were quick to note that the mayors represent CAQ-held ridings.

Joël Arseneau, Parti Québécois MNA for Îles-de-la-Madeleine, commented on the united front: "The image you see here is a strong one. We’re joining forces to ensure the government listens."

Monsef Derraji, the Liberal MNA for Nelligan, criticized the CAQ for its "lack of commitment" to funding public transit. "What’s the point of having a CAQ MNA if they don’t demand better transit for their region?" he asked.

Étienne Grandmont, Québec Solidaire MNA for Taschereau, criticized the government's focus on the third link project, a controversial highway project, rather than addressing obvious transit needs in areas like Montreal’s North Shore. "We can’t leave them with such a huge gap in service, and it’s only getting worse," he said, adding that the problem has persisted for seven years, with the CAQ in power for six of them.

In response, the office of Quebec’s transport minister, Geneviève Guilbault, acknowledged the need for better service. It said the provincial government had instructed the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) to explore ways to improve transit in the area. The statement also noted that $20 million was allocated in the last provincial budget for public transit improvements. However, the mayors argue that the current discourse suggests looming cuts, not enhancements.

Radio-Canada reported that Guilbault has offered to meet with the mayors to discuss their concerns, with the meeting expected to take place on Friday.